Mastercard debuts new gastronomic venture in Hong Kong

Opening exclusively to Mastercard cardholders beginning June 29, diners at LUMA can look forward to enjoying a tantalising multi-course fusion tasting menu that will be designed – and constantly refreshed – by a rotating roster of LUBUDS Group’s acclaimed chefs. As masters of their craft, they will interpret the radiance and distinct flavours of Asian, Chinese and European favourites and signature dishes in their own unique styles.

“At Mastercard, we strive to bring people closer to their passions – and each other,” said Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Mastercard. “Food transports us to new places, delivering unforgettable experiences as we explore different cultures and regions through taste. This is why we are thrilled to extend our culinary footprint with LUMA in Hong Kong, bringing truly special experiences to cardholders from around the world.”

The name LUMA – an amalgamation of the words LUBUDS and Mastercard – is at once uplifting and easy to pronounce by speakers of many languages. A derivative of the word luminous, LUMA evokes light, radiance, and illumination. An apt name for a venue designed to highlight the mastery of Hong Kong’s homegrown culinary talents, while also welcoming the electric energy that guest chefs will contribute, starting with the Michelin-starred Bjoern Alexander in August 2023.

“Since teaming up with Mastercard, it has been an honour to welcome Mastercard cardholders to dozens of LUBUDS venues across Hong Kong to enjoy special dining privileges, surprises, and priceless culinary experiences. Mastercard and LUBUDS are passionate about supporting Hong Kong’s economic and cultural revival and making a distinctive contribution to its dynamic food scene. With the launch of LUMA, we’re taking our collaboration to the next level to give culinary connoisseurs from around the world more of what they crave – the finest food and novel experiences in a stunning venue,” said Louie Chung, founder and CEO of LUBUDS Group.

The LUMA complex houses multiple spaces, including an elegant, intimate dining room that seats up to 60 people, a cocktail bar, a dedicated art space, and a breezy balcony overlooking Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline.

“In LUBUDS, Mastercard has found a collaborator who is as passionate about designing and delivering priceless experiences for their customers as Mastercard is,” said Helena Chen, managing director of Mastercard in Hong Kong and Macau. “At a time when the majority of consumers across the Asia Pacific region are prioritising experiences over material possessions, and diners in Hong Kong are fuelling a rapid rebound in restaurant spend that has already reached 88 per cent of the first quarter of 2019 levels, the launch of LUMA couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The unveiling of LUMA marks the second phase of the alliance between Mastercard and LUBUDS, operator of nearly 50 restaurants including the award-winning ODDS, MIÁN, YUE, and The Steak Room. Earlier this year, the two companies announced a new partnership aimed at offering priceless experiences and exclusive dining privileges for Mastercard cardholders at LUBUDS outlets across Hong Kong.

LUMA is also the latest extension of Mastercard’s global strategy of forging deeper, more memorable connections with consumers through multisensory brand experiences. By tapping all five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste – Mastercard deepens its engagement with consumers as it connects across passions, such as entertainment, music, travel, art, philanthropy, and the environment.

In the culinary space, the launch of LUMA follows Mastercard restaurant openings in Rome, Mexico City, and São Paulo. In 2022, just one year after launch, Notiê Priceless in São Paulo was named Best Brazilian Restaurant by VEJA São Paulo Comer & Beber, the most prestigious restaurant award in Brazil, while Chef Onildo Rocha, who leads the restaurant, won Chef of the Year.

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